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Solar energy

East Nusa Tenggara Province Accelerates Renewable Energy Transition

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena emphasized the crucial role of solar power plants in the province's transition to renewable energy. Currently, renewable energy accounts for only 10-15% of the province's total energy mix, with a capacity of 42 megawatts. However, a clear roadmap is in place to increase this share to 42.6% by 2028, with an additional 300 megawatts of renewable energy capacity projected.

The province is rich in renewable energy resources, including wind power potential of 10,188 MW, hydropower of 369.5 MW, solar capacity of 60.13 GWp, bioenergy of 746.8 MW, and geothermal potential of 1,149 MW. To tap into these resources, the province has built off-grid centralized solar power plants in 21 locations in 2023, increasing to 226 scattered units in 2024 and planning to add 47 new units in the following year.

The results of this transition can be seen in Semau Island, where a hybrid system combining a 450 kWp solar plant and a 1,380 kW diesel generator saved up to Rp1.17 billion in fuel per year and reduced carbon emissions by 180 tons of CO2 in 2024. By 2025, renewable energy's contribution on Semau Island remained stable at 10-12%, while fuel consumption dropped by around 8-9%.

However, Governor Melki acknowledged that renewable energy investment costs are still high, with off-grid solar plants costing around Rp130 million per kWp and 1 MWe geothermal plants costing about Rp48 billion. To address these challenges, the province is moving forward with strategic programs such as the special allocation fund for renewable infrastructure in Sumba, the ACCESS Project in West Sumba and Southwest Sumba Districts, and the MENTARI Program in Central Sumba District, which have already electrified hundreds of households and public facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena emphasized the importance of solar power plants in the province's transition to renewable energy.
  • Renewable energy currently accounts for 10-15% of the province's total energy mix, with a capacity of 42 megawatts.
  • The province aims to increase renewable energy's share to 42.6% by 2028, with an additional 300 megawatts of renewable energy capacity projected.
  • NTT is rich in renewable energy resources, including wind power potential of 10,188 MW, hydropower of 369.5 MW, solar capacity of 60.13 GWp, bioenergy of 746.8 MW, and geothermal potential of 1,149 MW.
  • The province has built off-grid centralized solar power plants in 21 locations in 2023, increasing to 226 scattered units in 2024 and planning to add 47 new units in the following year.
  • The hybrid system on Semau Island saved up to Rp1.17 billion in fuel per year and reduced carbon emissions by 180 tons of CO2 in 2024.
  • Renewable energy investment costs are still high, with off-grid solar plants costing around Rp130 million per kWp and 1 MWe geothermal plants costing about Rp48 billion.
  • The province is moving forward with strategic programs such as the special allocation fund for renewable infrastructure in Sumba, the ACCESS Project in West Sumba and Southwest Sumba Districts, and the MENTARI Program in Central Sumba District.

Statistics:

  • Renewable energy's contribution on Semau Island remained stable at 10-12% in 2025.
  • Fuel consumption dropped by around 8-9% on Semau Island in 2025.
  • The hybrid system on Semau Island saved up to Rp1.17 billion in fuel per year in 2024.
  • Carbon emissions were reduced by 180 tons of CO2 in 2024 on Semau Island.
  • Renewable energy investment costs include off-grid solar plants at Rp130 million per kWp.
  • 1 MWe geothermal plants cost about Rp48 billion.
  • The province aims to increase renewable energy's share to 42.6% by 2028, with an additional 300 megawatts of renewable energy capacity projected.

Sources:

  • (2025) Antara News Agency

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